Public transportation coming to the Express Lanes

WASHINGTON – Beginning this January, the Fairfax Connector bus service will provide a public transportation option on the 495 Express Lanes to help commuters avoid Beltway traffic.

The buses, which will travel 55 m.p.h. on average, will run four routes from Burke Centre to Tysons Corner. The proposed cost for a one-way fare is $3.65. However, VRE passengers transferring off of the Manassas line will be able to travel on the bus routes for free.

The hope is that the public transportation option will result in fewer people choosing to drive and less traffic on the road for those who need to do so.

“The more cars that we can take off the road, the less traffic we will ultimately have,” says Ellen Kamilakis from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.

The Burke-to-Tysons route will begin Jan. 14, 2013. Additional routes, including one from Springfield/Saratoga to Tysons Corner and another from Lorton VRE to Tysons Corner, are planned for the spring.